Dealing with dry eyes is never a fun experience. This condition causes irritation, inflammation, stinging sensations, and more. It’s an extremely common problem—but relief is often closer than you might think.
Eye drops offer a safe and effective way to reduce your symptoms. There are over-the-counter and prescription options available depending on your specific needs. Visit your optometrist if you’re considering eye drops to treat dry eyes. They can help you make an informed decision about which option is right for you.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
The tear film is a thin layer that coats the surface of your eyes. It keeps them hydrated and comfortable, but it also prevents bacteria or harmful particles from entering the eyes.
It’s made up of three distinct layers—oil, water, and mucus. These layers work together to maintain clarity and moisture levels. They have to be carefully balanced to do their job, but sometimes, this is thrown off. This quickly leads to burning, stinging sensations in the eyes.
These are caused by dry eye disease, a condition caused by your tears evaporating too quickly or tear glands not producing enough tears in general. These symptoms can be temporary or chronic—and they’re extremely irritating.
Dry Eye: Common Symptoms
Dry eye disease quickly inflames the eyes. Without a healthy tear film, even the slightest movement in the air can lead to burning sensations. It often feels like there’s dirt or sand trapped under your eyelid, constantly scratching your eye.
Some of the most common symptoms of dry eye disease include:
- Persistent dryness or irritation
- Stinging or burning sensations
- Excessive tearing
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
If you notice these symptoms, talk to your optometrist as soon as you can. If your eyes are unprotected, they’re at a higher risk of scratches or infections—and these can cause long-term vision damage.
What Causes Dry Eye Disease?
Your eyes are naturally sensitive. The tear film can easily be thrown off by all kinds of factors, both internal and external. However, the specific cause matters—it helps your optometrist tailor treatments to your unique situation.
Dry eye disease can be caused by:
- Aging. Dry eyes are more common as we age, particularly in people over 50.
- Hormonal changes. Changes brought on by menopause or pregnancy can affect tear production.
- Medications. Certain drugs, like antihistamines or antidepressants, may contribute to reduced tear production.
- Environmental factors. Windy weather, low humidity, or air conditioning can evaporate your tears quickly.
- Underlying health issues. All kinds of conditions, like autoimmune diseases, allergies, or inflammation can interfere with the normal function of your tear glands.
Your optometrist will carefully examine your eyes to find what’s causing your dry eyes. Then, they can recommend the right type of treatment.
Do Eye Drops Help With Dry Eyes?
One of the most common approaches to helping you find relief is simple—through eye drops. They’re designed to add moisture to your eyes and reduce inflammation. They also stabilize your natural tears to keep the eye protected. Regularly using these drops can often prevent your symptoms from worsening.
However, while eye drops are effective, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Before starting any new treatments for your dry eyes, talk to your optometrist. This way, you’ll be able to make an informed choice about how you’ll address the problem.
Are There Different Types Of Eye Drops?
First, eye drops aren’t universal. They come in many different types—and the ones you choose make a big difference.
Typically, you can break eye drops down into 2 main categories: those with preservatives and those without.
Eye Drops With Preservatives
Eye drops with preservatives last longer. This often makes them more convenient, as they’re more shelf-stable than those without any additives.
However, these drops include stabilizing chemical compounds. This may irritate your eye if used too frequently or over a long period of time. If you’re already dealing with sensitivity and burning sensations, make sure you avoid drops with preservatives.
Preservative-Free Eye Drops
Preservative-free eye drops are designed for people with sensitive eyes. They’re typically more gentle, but this comes at a cost. They usually have to be used within 30 days of opening them. Otherwise, there’s a risk of contamination and bacterial exposure.
The Best Drops for Dry Eye Disease
The best eye drops for your dry eyes depend on your unique situation. The most common drops for dry eye disease are called “artificial tears.” These mimic natural tears and provide comfort and relief to your eyes.
Talk to your optometrist about which brand or type of drops will work best for you. They’ll help you assess the severity of your dry eye disease, how often you need to use them, whether preservatives are safe for you, and more.
However, remember—while eye drops can help, they don’t address the underlying cause of your dry eyes. If you notice your symptoms persistently stick around, talk to your optometrist as soon as you can. With their help, you can effectively find lasting relief from dry eyes and enjoy comfortable vision once more.
Dry Eye Relief Awaits
Caring for your dry eyes doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Getting help is easier than you think! With a mix of the right eye drops, professional support, and personal treatment, relief is within reach. And our team at Calgary Optometry Centre is here to help! Contact us today to book your appointment, and let our team help you find the relief you deserve.
